So, i just started a 25 gallon tank with two parrot cichlids and two jack dempseys. im new at this and really want to keep them alive. however, i got the tank on craigslist and it came with an unopened container of Tetra Tropical Fish Flakes, fairly new looking. I've been using it, but it doesnt say anywhere what kind of fish the flakes are meant for. should i not be using this food, not knowing exactly how old it is, and should i be feeding strictly cichlid food?

jeaninel

11-15-2009 05:41 PM

Flakes are "ok" when the fish are young but I would also feed a good quality cichlid pellet which is formulated specifically to meet the nutritional needs of cichlids. I feed Hikari Cichlid Gold to my Central American cichlids. You can buy various sized pellets depending on the size of your fish. I also feed frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp a couple times a week.

Also, you are going to eventually need a much larger tank as both the JD's and the parrots will outgrow a 25 gallon tank.

izzasy

11-21-2009 07:06 PM

Switch to pellets

Hi! I'm also a newbie in this forum. I have been taking care of chichlids and have been feeding them chichlids pellets from a local pet shop. I have these chichlids for almost 6 months now. I haven't fed them anything else except for that.

Oh, and i fed them flakes for a couple of weeks and then shifted to the pellets.

I googled what their diet is, it says that Chichlids diets are mostly slow sinking food or food fom the bottom.

The flakes float, so better stick to the pellets and as jeaninel mentioned frozen food. Hope I helped.

MoneyMitch

11-27-2009 03:05 AM

i feed mine spirilina flakes and i take the pinch of food and put it under the water before i let go, i also use omega 1 cichlids flake food. i use both foods once a day. a varied diet is always best for fish to ensure they are getting all they need to. you could also throw in veggies for treats. personally i find that frozen food is very messy and gets everywhere and clouds the water when the flakes dont.